JOHN MOTTRAM CAUGHT IN WALSALL PAEDOPHILE PLOT AT CHELMSLEY WOOD
In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, John Mottram, a 49-year-old man from Walsall, was recently convicted and sentenced for attempting to engage in sexual activity with what he believed to be underage girls.The incident unfolded in September 2018, when Mottram arranged to meet two girls aged just 11 and 12 in Chelmsley Wood, a suburb near Birmingham, with the intent of carrying out illicit acts.
Mottram had previously sent explicit images of himself and engaged in conversations where he discussed having sex with one of the girls.
He also encouraged other children to join the meeting, demonstrating a clear predatory intent.
However, the girls he thought he was communicating with, Nina, aged 11, and Katie, aged 12, were in fact fictitious profiles created by a group of paedophile hunters aiming to trap individuals like him.
The court heard that Mottram began participating in online chats with these fake profiles in June.
Prosecutor Matthew Barnes detailed that during these exchanges, Mottram was aware that the girls he was messaging were only 11 and 12 years old.
Despite this knowledge, he continued to engage in sexual conversations and even discussed bringing friends to the planned meeting.
When police arrested him, Mottram admitted to knowing the girls were minors and acknowledged that he had engaged in sexual communication with them.
He also confirmed that he had driven to Chelmsley Wood after arranging to meet Katie, claiming his purpose was merely to verify her existence and asserting that he had no intention of harming her.
At Warwick Crown Court, Mottram pleaded guilty to three charges of attempting to incite sexual activity with a child.
The court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offending.
While his legal counsel proposed a suspended sentence coupled with participation in a sex offender rehabilitation program, the judge, Sally Hancox, emphasized that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary.
She acknowledged that Mottram had taken responsibility by admitting his actions, including the sexual gratification he derived from the conduct, but underscored the importance of safeguarding the community from potential future harm.
